Small Business Sentiment: The NFIB’s optimism index slid in May to the lowest since Oct 2024 as fuel costs, inflation worries and Iran-linked uncertainty squeezed owners’ plans to invest. Geopolitics & Markets: Asian stocks fell sharply after US-Iran exchanges of fire, dragging Japan and South Korea while oil dipped slightly—keeping investors torn between AI hype and tech-fear mood swings. Energy Costs for Emerging Economies: India is scrambling to manage the economic hit from the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with higher oil prices pressuring the rupee, growth forecasts and public finances. EU Sanctions: The EU unveiled a new Russia sanctions package targeting banks, arms makers, oil traders/refiners and crypto operators, plus tighter export controls and a ban on entry for former combatants. AI & Pharma R&D: Nxera joined the OpenFold open-source AI consortium to speed drug discovery, aligning with a broader push to boost R&D productivity. Digital Messaging for Business: Truecaller and Gupshup partnered to expand verified business messaging beyond SMS across India, Egypt, Nigeria and more. Insurance Compliance Risk: Hiscox warned that informal messaging is creating “grey areas” for professional services firms, many of which lack formal policies. Local Growth & Grants: Andover’s new business got a council grant boost, while Dubai launched a contractors group to strengthen the contracting sector’s competitiveness. Homecare Financing Pressure: US homecare providers face tighter margins and slower payments as banks pull back, pushing more deals toward private credit and private equity.